Kate Winslet and Kenneth Branagh Honored By Queen Elizabeth

Well, if the Queen of England thinks you're honorable, it's safe to say you are (and that you have serious bragging rights for like, ever). Queen Elizabeth has honored both Kate Winslet and Kenneth Branagh; she named Kate a Commander of the Order for the British Empire, and Kenneth was given knight status.

The honors were given in the Queen's Birthday Honors List. Most frequently, these honors go to people who are being recognized for their contributions to their communities or industries; celebs who make the cut are being noted for their contributions to the arts (a worthy cause, indeed). It's worth noting that recipients are selected by civil servants from nominations made by the government and the public.

“I am both surprised and honored to stand alongside so many men and woman who have achieved great things for our country,” Kate said, adding that she is "very proud to be a Brit."

Kenneth, who joins the ranks of Sir Elton John and Sir Ben Kingsley, said, "When I was a kid, I dreamed of pulling on a shirt for the Northern Ireland football team. I could only imagine how proud you might feel. Today, it feels like they just gave me the shirt, and my heart’s fit to burst.”